Good bye pale cheeks, farewell exhausted look: A blush or rouge is the key to a vibrant and wonderful glow about your face.

Step by step to the perfect blush

The first step is to choose the type of blush that's right for you. Cream is a good choice for dry and normal skin. Gel and powder blushes are a perfect match for oily skin. For even better results, combine cream and powder. Keep in mind the so called cheek stains - great for well-moisturized skin, not dry skin - tend to dry up very fast, so blend well and quickly. For every skin-type there are several blushes that support your naturally given beauty advantages.

The tone is the key

Every skin type is different. So be sure to select the right kind of color and tone for you. When it comes to choosing the shade of the blush it is important to select one, that will underline your facial features, without exaggerating them.

Red is the original blush

A darker skin needs a lighter shade of the selected color, lighter skin for example may need an earthy tone - such as auburn or bole. Bright red, the original historic color of blush, may not be the perfect choice for a person with a fair complexion, but may just be the clue for a brown or bronze skin tone. It all depends on, what kind of look you desire.

If your complexion is quite pale, try using a soft pink. Dusky pink blush will warm up any tired-looking face. Brighten up your darker areas, let them shine. Rose looks great on fair skin, an olive complexion will glow even warmer if you add peach, and a dark skin with apricot or even red.

Blush is a secret weapon

Don't underestimate the power of blush. If you are looking for a natural and healthy glow, nothing can compete with blush. So, what is your own and very individual tone? There are different ways of finding that out. One would be to check your cheek-tone, when it's naturally flushed, for example after a strenuous workout or after being out in the cold. Back in the old days, women pinched their cheeks or slapped them lightly to achieve a natural glow.